Tackle real-world challenges and learn on the job with ICPUs

Tackling real-world retail challenges

In the fast-paced retail industry, adapting to evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and the demand for value-added services is crucial.

Croma, an electronics retail chain under the Tata Group, has significantly increased its footprint with more than 440 stores across 120+ cities in India and a robust online presence. To stay ahead of the competition, Croma sought innovative solutions from University of Sydney students participating in the Industry and Community Project Unit (ICPU).

A unique learning experience

Ilona Ili Ho, a fifth-year Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) and Bachelor of Laws student, shared her enriching experience with the ICPU.

"My ICPU experience involved understanding my heuristics in problem-solving, designing solutions with teammates from diverse skill sets, and delivering outcomes to the well-established Tata Group," she explained.

Engaging with industry experts

Students participated in self-leadership reflection exercises, which helped them understand how their disciplines shaped their approach to the project. 

Ilona highlighted the valuable insights gained from engaging with Tata – improving the uptake and brand of Croma's products – and reflected on the unique aspect of the ICPU.     

"During our fortnightly check-ins, I appreciated how open Tata’s team was to new ideas. This openness demonstrated and inspired consistent critical thinking," said Ilona.

As an international student from Hong Kong, she found the contrast in professional cultural nuances enriching to her worldview.

Building essential skills

Throughout the unit, Ilona acquired valuable skills in leadership and collaboration.

Her group consisted of students from finance, data and computer sciences, laws, international relations, and natural sciences. She also emphasised the importance of actively ensuring team alignment with final deliverables.

Delivering impactful solutions

One of the most rewarding aspects of the unit for Ilona was the intellectual fulfillment from problem-solving with her team and delivering their solution to Tata.

A notable achievement was being asked to pitch a solution to Tata's Chairman, Mr Natarajan Chandrasekaran, alongside MBA students from prestigious universities.

The ICPU program offers students a unique opportunity to engage with real-world industry challenges, develop critical skills, and make a tangible impact. This experience not only prepares students for their future careers but also allows them to contribute meaningful solutions to global companies like Tata. 

Since its inception, the ICPU program has partnered with over 150 industry and community partners, including Adobe, ANZ Bank, Deloitte, GE Healthcare, Greenpeace, KPMG, Microsoft, Singapore Airlines, Powerhouse Museum, University Admissions Centre, ACON, and the NSW Department of Education.

These partnerships transform students' learning, providing practical, interdisciplinary experiences that enhance their employability and develop their graduate attributes.

Enrolments in interdisciplinary ICPUs in 2024 are predicted to have doubled since 2022. Last year, 90 percent of students who took an interdisciplinary ICPU reported that they felt they had developed their graduate attributes, and over 90 percent of industry partners agreed, stating that ICPU students demonstrated an integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity.

These experiences are underpinned by the University's graduate qualities, which equip students with the disciplinary expertise, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills that are essential for employability and making positive contributions to society.